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publications / reports / 2009

The Scottish Parliament 1999-2009: The First Decade

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This 2009 publication was the first book about the new Scottish Parliament. It brought together a distinguished group of parliamentarians, commentators and academics to review the achievements, limits and challenges of the new Scottish Parliament after its first ten years.

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The Scottish Parliament 1999-2009: The First Decade is a collection of essays by leading figures edited by Professors Charlie Jeffery and James Mitchell. In reviewing the first 10 years of the new Parliament’s existence, across a wide range of topics, the book tackled key questions including:

To what extent have the founding principles for the Scottish Parliament set out by the Consultative Steering Group been delivered - access and participation, equal opportunities, accountability and power-sharing?

Has the Parliament changed how politics is done in Scotland?

Has the Parliament matured into an effective legislative body?

Have relationships between government, the Parliament and outside stakeholders in local government, interest groups and quangos been improved?

What’s the view from Westminster?

How does the Scottish Parliament fit into the UK’s changing constitutional architecture?

Table of contents

Foreword Alex Fergusson MSP, Presiding Officer, Scottish Parliament

Chapter 1 Introduction: The First Decade in Perspective Emma Megaughin and Charlie Jeffery

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